Mobile printer

ABSTRACT

A three-dimensional printer for providing additive material to an object in need thereof includes a non-transitory computer memory; a processor in data communication with the computer memory; a material reservoir; an output device in communication with the material reservoir; a scanning device for obtaining existing contour information about the object; and a contour database accessible by the processor which has contour information about the object. The scanning device is in data communication with the processor. Programming causes: (1) the scanning device to obtain the existing contour information; (2) the computer memory to store the obtained existing contour information; and (3) the processor to create a print file based on data from each of: (a) the obtained existing contour information, and (b) the contour database. Further programming selectively actuates the output device, utilizing the print file, to apply the material from the material reservoir to the object in need thereof.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/443,761, filed Jun. 17, 2019 entitled Mobile Printer, which ispending and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/958,867, filed Apr. 20, 2018 entitled Mobile Printer, whichgranted as U.S. Pat. No. 10,325,187 on Jun. 18, 2019 and which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/487,621, filedApr. 20, 2017, entitled Mobile Printer, the disclosure of each of whichis incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Printing devices compatible with word processing and graphics softwareare standard pieces of office equipment and are also commonly found inhomes. Such devices are typically large and operate using inkjet orlaser technologies—though other printing technologies (e.g., thermaltechnology) may also be used, and especially in printers that are moremobile. Example PRIOR ART mobile printers are sold by BrotherInternational Corporation under the trademark POCKETJET®. One particularPRIOR ART mobile printer 5 is shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b and described inUser's Guide, PJ-522 and PJ-523Mobile Printer, by Brother InternationalCorporation. As the User's Guide describes, even when printers aremarketed as mobile, they move paper across the printing technology andare wider than the piece of paper to be printed upon.

Embodiments of the current invention relate generally to mobileprinters.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order toprovide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. Thissummary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is notintended to identify critical elements of the invention or to delineatethe scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some conceptsof the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detaileddescription that is presented elsewhere.

According to one embodiment, a mobile printer is provided for use with astationary piece of paper. The mobile printer includes a non-transitorycomputer memory, a processor in data communication with the computermemory, an input device in data communication with the processor, ahousing configured to rest atop the paper, a carriage located inside thehousing, carriage actuators for moving the carriage laterally andtransversely adjacent the paper, a scanning device coupled to thehousing and positioned to obtain existing-indicia information, and aprinting unit coupled to and movable with the carriage. The scanningdevice and the carriage actuators are in data communication with theprocessor. The printing unit includes an output nozzle and a supplypassage for supplying ink from an ink reservoir to the output nozzle.Programming causes the scanning device to obtain the existing-indiciainformation, the computer memory to store the obtained existing-indiciainformation, the carriage actuators to selectively move the carriage,and the ink to pass from the output nozzle.

According to another embodiment, a mobile printer is provided for usewith a stationary piece of paper. The mobile printer includes anon-transitory computer memory, a processor in data communication withthe computer memory, an input device in data communication with theprocessor, a housing configured to rest atop the paper, a scanningdevice in data communication with the processor, an ink reservoir, and astationary array of output nozzles in communication with the inkreservoir. The scanning device is coupled to the housing and positionedto obtain existing-indicia information. Programming causes the scanningdevice to obtain the existing-indicia information, the computer memoryto store the obtained existing-indicia information, and the ink to passfrom the stationary array of output nozzles.

According to still another embodiment, a mobile printer is provided foruse with stationary indicia-receiving material. The mobile printerincludes a non-transitory computer memory, a processor in datacommunication with the computer memory, an input device in datacommunication with the processor, a housing configured to rest adjacentthe indicia-receiving material, a scanning device in data communicationwith the processor, an ink reservoir, an output nozzle in communicationwith the ink reservoir, and a nozzle actuator in data communication withthe processor. The scanning device is coupled to the housing andpositioned to obtain existing-indicia information. Programming causesthe scanning device to obtain the existing-indicia information, thecomputer memory to store the obtained existing-indicia information, andthe nozzle actuator to selectively activate to cause ink from the inkreservoir to pass from the output nozzle.

According to yet another embodiment, a mobile printer is provided foruse with a transfer sheet overlying a stationary indicia-receivingmaterial. The transfer sheet is configured to change pigmentation ofareas of the indicia-receiving material underlying areas of the transfersheet receiving focused waves. The mobile printer includes anon-transitory computer memory, a processor in data communication withthe computer memory, an input device in data communication with theprocessor, a housing configured to rest adjacent the indicia-receivingmaterial, a scanning device in data communication with the processor,and a transmitter in data communication with the processor. The scanningdevice is coupled to the housing and positioned to obtainexisting-indicia information. Programming causes the scanning device toobtain the existing-indicia information, the computer memory to storethe obtained existing-indicia information, and the transmitter toactivate (causing the transfer sheet to change pigmentation of areas ofthe indicia-receiving material underlying areas of the transfer sheetreceiving focused waves from the transmitter).

In another embodiment of the invention, a three-dimensional printer forproviding additive material to an object in need thereof includes anon-transitory computer memory; a processor in data communication withthe computer memory; a material reservoir; an output device incommunication with the material reservoir; a scanning device forobtaining existing contour information about the object; and a contourdatabase accessible by the processor which has contour information aboutthe object. The scanning device is in data communication with theprocessor. Programming causes: (1) the scanning device to obtain theexisting contour information; (2) the computer memory to store theobtained existing contour information; and (3) the processor to create aprint file based on data from each of: (a) the obtained existing contourinformation, and (b) the contour database. Further programmingselectively actuates the output device, utilizing the print file, toapply the material from the material reservoir to the object in needthereof.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a mobile printerfor providing additive material to a three-dimensional component piecein need thereof includes a non-transitory computer memory; a processorin data communication with the computer memory; a housing configured torest atop the three-dimensional component piece; a scanning device forobtaining existing contour information, the scanning device being indata communication with the processor; means in data communication withthe processor for causing the material to pass from the output device;and a contour database accessible by the processor, the contour databasehaving contour information. The housing has a first material reservoir;and an output nozzle in communication with the material reservoir.Programming causes: (1) the scanning device to obtain the existingcontour information; (2) the computer memory to store the obtainedexisting contour information; and (3) the processor to create a printfile based on data from each of: (a) the obtained existing contourinformation, and (b) the contour database. Programming furtherselectively actuates the means for causing material from the firstmaterial reservoir to pass from the output nozzle to apply the materialto the three-dimensional component piece in need thereof, and in sodoing, utilizes the print file.

In still yet another embodiment, a three-dimensional printer forproviding additive material to an object in need thereof includes anon-transitory computer memory; a processor in data communication withthe computer memory; an input device in data communication with theprocessor; and a housing configured to rest atop the three-dimensionalobject. The housing has a first material reservoir holding a firstmaterial; a first output device in communication with the first materialreservoir; a second material reservoir holding a second material; and asecond output device in communication with the second materialreservoir. Additionally provided as part of the printer is a scanningdevice is provided for obtaining existing contour information, thescanning device being in data communication with the processor; means indata communication with the processor for causing the first material topass from the first output device; means in data communication with theprocess for causing the second material to pass from the second outputdevice; and a contour database accessible by the processor, the contourdatabase having contour information. Programming causes: (1) thescanning device to obtain the existing contour information; (2) thecomputer memory to store the obtained existing contour information; and(3) the processor to create a first print file based on data from eachof: (a) the obtained existing contour information; and (b) the contourdatabase. Further programming (4) selectively actuates the means forcausing the first material from the first material reservoir to passfrom the first output device to apply the first material to thethree-dimensional component piece in need thereof utilizing the firstprint file; (5) causes the processor to create a second print filedbased on date from the input device; (6) selectively actuates the meansfor causing the second material from the second material reservoir topass from the second output device to apply the second material to thethree-dimensional component piece thereof utilizing the second printfile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a PRIOR ART printer.

FIG. 1b is a perspective view of the PRIOR ART printer of FIG. 1a ,shown in use with a piece of paper.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a mobile printer, according to anembodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the mobile printer of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the mobile printer of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the mobile printer of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the mobile printer of FIG. 2, shown with theprinting cover at an open position.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating aspects of the mobile printer ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating other aspects of the mobileprinter of FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating still other aspects of the mobileprinter of FIG. 2.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating various steps performed by themobile printer of FIG. 2.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile printer according toanother embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile printer according tostill another embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile printer according toyet another embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a mobile printer according to still yetanother embodiment of the current invention.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating the mobile printer of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating various steps performed by themobile printer of FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 2 through 10 illustrate a mobile printer according to anembodiment 100 of the current invention. The mobile printer 100 includesa housing 101, non-transitory computer memory 110, a processor 120, ascanning device 130, an input 140, a carriage 150, carriage actuators160, a printing unit 170, and various programming as discussed below.

The housing 101 (FIGS. 2 through 6) is portable and may be constructedof plastics, composites, metals, and any other appropriate materials andcombinations of materials. In some embodiments, the housing 101 may havea width 101 a of about 2½ to 3 inches, a length 101 b of about 5 to 5½inches, and a height 101 c of about ½ to 1 inch. In other embodiments,the width 101 a may be about 9 to 9½ inches, the length 101 b may beabout 11½ to 12 inches, and the height 101 c may be about ½ to 1 inch.In still other embodiments, other appropriate dimensions 101 a, 101 b,101 c may be selected so long as the housing 101 remains configured torest atop stationary indicia-receiving material 10 and be easilyhandheld. And in yet other embodiments, the housing 101 may beincorporated into a larger system or subsystem; for example, the housing101 may be part of a robotic “hand” or industrial manufacturingmachinery.

The illustrated housing 101 has a top side 102 a, a bottom side 102 b,and opposed ends 102 c, 102 d. FIGS. 3, 5, and 6 illustrate a door 104at the bottom side 102 b that is movable to selectively expose and coveran inner area 105. The door 104 may slide along a track, pivot, beentirely separable, or otherwise move to expose and cover the inner area105. The bottom side 102 b may include spacers 106 upon which thehousing 101 may rest when positioned with the bottom side 102 b pointeddown.

The computer memory 110 (FIG. 7) may include volatile and non-volatilememory, and any appropriate data storage devices whether now existing orlater developed may be used. Further, the computer memory 110 may be aunitary memory in one location, or may alternately be a distributedcomputer memory such that one portion of the computer memory isphysically separate from another portion of the non-transitory computermemory. In other words, discrete computer memory devices may be linkedtogether (e.g., over a network) and collectively form the computermemory 110. While this document shall often refer to elements in thesingular, those skilled in the art will appreciate that multiple suchelements may often be employed and that the use of multiple suchelements which collectively perform as expressly or inherently disclosedis fully contemplated herein.

The processor 120 (FIG. 7) may be any appropriate device, whether nowexisting or later developed, which performs the operations specified bythe various programming used by the mobile printer 100. The processor120 may be electronic circuitry located on a common chip or circuitboard, or may be a distributed processor such that one portion of theprocessor is physically separate from another portion of the processor.The processor 120 is in data communication with the computer memory 110,the scanner 130, the input 140, the output 145, the carriage actuators160, and the printing unit 170.

The scanner 130 (FIG. 7) includes at least one camera to captureexisting-indicia information 1010 (which may include, for example, textand non-textual graphics on indicia-receiving material 10). Theindicia-receiving material 10 may be, for example, paper, lumber,building materials, industrial products, and consumer goods. In someembodiments, it may be desirable for the indicia-receiving material 10to be generally flat, at least on an indicia-receiving surface. Thescanner 130 may further include the ability to detect color (or “tone”)information 1020, either through the camera 130 or different sensors.Tone information 1020 may include, for example, information about thetint of the existing indicia at various locations of theindicia-receiving material 10. FIG. 6 shows that multiple sensors 130may be coupled to the housing 101, positioned to obtain theexisting-indicia information 1010 while the housing 101 rests atop theindicia-receiving material 10.

The input 140 (FIG. 7) may be any input device (whether now existing orlater developed) allowing a person to input data 1030 to the processor120 for storage in the computer memory 110. For example, the input 140may be a touchscreen 141 (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4), a keyboard, acomputer mouse, a microphone 142 (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4), or abarcode reader. Data 1030 is discussed in additional detail below.

The output 145 (FIG. 7) may be any appropriate output device (whethernow existing or later developed). For example, the output 145 may be oneor more of a visual display (e.g., touchscreen 141 shown in FIGS. 2 and4) and an audible output (e.g., speaker 146 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4). Theoutput 145 may be used to entertain the user in addition to providinginteraction with the processor 120. For example, the output 145 mayprovide visual/audible programming (either preset or selectable),requests for data or user instructions, et cetera.

The carriage 150 (FIG. 6) is located in the housing inner area 105 andsupports the printing unit 170. The carriage 150 is selectively moved(preferably in at least two dimensions—laterally and transverselyadjacent the indicia-receiving material 10) by the carriage actuators160. In essence, the carriage 150 and the carriage actuators 160,together with software and processing, equate to a computer numericalcontrol (“CNC”) system. One prior art CNC system is disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 6,218,639 to Bulle, which forms part of the current disclosure.As shown in FIG. 8, the carriage actuators 160 may include a drivemechanism 161 and rail 162 system which allows lateral travel and adrive mechanism 163 and rail 164 system which allows transverse travel.Drive mechanisms providing travel along rails in CNC systems aredisclosed, for example, in Bulle. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that the rails may be channels or other appropriatestructure.

The printing unit 170 is coupled to and movable with the carriage 150,as shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 9, the printing unit 170 mayinclude an output nozzle 172, a supply passage 174 for supplying the ink20 from an ink reservoir 180 to the output nozzle 172, and a nozzleactuator 175 in communication with the processor 120 for causing the ink20 to pass from the output nozzle 172. Nozzle actuators are well knownin the art, and may include a heater (often referred to as thermalinkjet or thermal Drop On Demand “DOD” printing) or a piezoelectricmaterial (often referred to as piezo inkjet or piezo DOD printing).

Returning now to FIG. 7, the computer memory 110 has various files andsubfiles for containing programming and data. A user input file 1000,existing-indicia information 1010, a scanner software file 1100, anindicia database 1200, and a print file 1300 are illustrated. Theindicia database 1200 includes font information 1210 (e.g., informationallowing fonts to be recognized in existing indicia, and allowing fontsto be utilized) and contour information 1220 (e.g., geometric routinesfor matching/filling lines in the existing indicia, and for creatingother lines/shapes). Programming, for example in the scanner softwarefile 1100, causes the scanning device 130 to obtain (in someembodiments, repeatedly obtain) the existing-indicia information 1010,and causes the obtained information 1010 to be stored. Other programming(e.g., in the user input file 1000) allows input data 1030 to beobtained through the input 140 and stored. The input data 1030 mayinclude, for example, desired textual and non-textual indicia to beprinted on the indicia-receiving material 10. And still otherprogramming causes the processor 120 to create the print file 1300 basedon data from the existing-indicia information 1010, the user input data1030, and the indicia database 1200. And using the print file 1300, theprocessor 120 causes the carriage actuators 160 to selectively move thecarriage in a defined manner and causes the nozzle actuator 175 to expelthe ink 20 from the output nozzle 172 to apply the ink 20 to theindicia-receiving material 10. If the existing-indicia information 1010is repeatedly obtained, programming may compare the obtainedexisting-indicia information 1010 to identify movement of the housing101 relative to the paper 10—allowing adjustments to be made in theprinting process.

The following description is an example of the mobile printer 100 in usewith paper 10 according to an embodiment. At step S100 of method S10,the processor 120 obtains user input data 1030 via the input 140 andstores the user input data 1030 in the computer memory 110. And at stepS110, the processor 120 obtains existing-indicia information 1010 viathe scanner 130 and stores the existing-indicia information 1010 in thememory 110. At step S120, the processor 120 creates print file 1300based on data from the existing-indicia information 1010, the user inputdata 1030, and the indicia database 1200.

After step S120, the process S10 proceeds to steps S130 and S140. There,the processor 120 causes the carriage actuators 160 to move the carriage150 in accordance with the print file 1300, and causes the nozzleactuator 175 to selectively allow the ink 20 to flow through the supplypassage 174 and the output nozzle 172 to apply the ink 20 to the paper10. After steps S130 and S140, the processor 120 determines at S150 ifthe print file 1300 has been fully executed for the ink 20. If not, theprocess S10 returns to steps S130 and S140; if so, the process S10 endsat step S160.

FIG. 11 illustrates another mobile printer 200 that is substantiallysimilar to the embodiment 100, except as specifically noted and/orshown, or as would be inherent. Further, those skilled in the art willappreciate that the embodiment 100 (and thus the embodiment 200) may bemodified in various ways, such as through incorporating all or part ofany of the various described embodiments, for example. For uniformityand brevity, reference numbers from 200 to 299 may be used to indicateelements corresponding to those discussed above numbered from 100 to 199(e.g., computer memory 210 corresponds generally to the computer memory110, processor 220 corresponds generally to the processor 120, scanner230 corresponds generally to the scanner 130, input 240 correspondsgenerally to the input 140, output 245 corresponds generally to theoutput 145, et cetera), though with any noted, shown, or inherentdeviations. And reference numbers 2000 to 2999 may be used to indicateelements corresponding to those discussed above numbered from 1000 to1999 (e.g., user input file 2000 corresponds generally to the user inputfile 1000, existing-indicia information 2010 corresponds generally tothe existing-indicia information 1010, user input data 2030 correspondsgenerally to the user input data 1030, scanner software file 2100corresponds generally to the scanner software file 1100, the indiciadatabase 2200 corresponds generally to the indicia database 1200, fontinformation 2210 corresponds generally to the font information 1210,contour information 2220 corresponds generally to the contourinformation 1220, and print file 2300 corresponds generally to the printfile 1300), though with any noted, shown, or inherent deviations.

In embodiment 200, the printing unit 270 includes a stationary array ofprint nozzles 272 in the housing inner area 105 (each substantiallysimilar to a print nozzle 172 and actuated by a nozzle actuator 275substantially similar to the nozzle actuators 175), and does not includea carriage or carriage actuators corresponding to the carriage 150 andthe carriage actuators 160. In use, the processor 220 activates thedesired nozzle actuators 275 in the stationary array in accordance withthe print file 2300 to output the ink 20 through the nozzles 272, eitherin series or parallel, and thus apply the ink 20 to theindicia-receiving material 10 without any lateral or transverse movementrelative to the stationary indicia-receiving material 10.

FIG. 12 illustrates (in use with stationary indicia-receiving material10 and a transfer sheet 13) another mobile printer 300 that issubstantially similar to the embodiment 100, except as specificallynoted and/or shown, or as would be inherent. Further, those skilled inthe art will appreciate that the embodiment 100 (and thus the embodiment300) may be modified in various ways, such as through incorporating allor part of any of the various described embodiments, for example. Foruniformity and brevity, reference numbers from 300 to 399 may be used toindicate elements corresponding to those discussed above numbered from100 to 199 (e.g., computer memory 310 corresponds generally to thecomputer memory 110, processor 320 corresponds generally to theprocessor 120, scanner 330 corresponds generally to the scanner 130,input 340 corresponds generally to the input 140, output 345 correspondsgenerally to the output 145, carriage actuators 360 correspond generallyto the carriage actuators 160, et cetera), though with any noted, shown,or inherent deviations. And reference numbers 3000 to 3999 may be usedto indicate elements corresponding to those discussed above numberedfrom 1000 to 1999 (e.g., user input file 3000 corresponds generally tothe user input file 1000, existing-indicia information 3010 correspondsgenerally to the existing-indicia information 1010, user input data 3030corresponds generally to the user input data 1030, scanner software file3100 corresponds generally to the scanner software file 1100, theindicia database 3200 corresponds generally to the indicia database1200, font information 3210 corresponds generally to the fontinformation 1210, contour information 3220 corresponds generally to thecontour information 1220, and print file 3300 corresponds generally tothe print file 1300), though with any noted, shown, or inherentdeviations.

Embodiment 300 replaces the printing unit 170 with a transmitter 370configured to transmit focused waves (e.g., a laser or other light-wavetransmitter, an RF transmitter or other electromagnetic radiationtransmitter, an ultrasound transmitter or other sound-wave transmitter,et cetera). The transmitter 370 is in data communication with theprocessor 320 and is coupled to the carriage for movement by thecarriage actuators 360. The mobile printer 300 utilizes a transfer sheet13 overlying the stationary indicia-receiving material 10. The transfersheet 13 is configured to change pigmentation of areas of theindicia-receiving material 10 underlying areas of the transfer sheet 13receiving focused waves, and the transmitter 370 is configuredcomplementary to the transfer sheet 13 such that activation of thetransmitter 370 causes the transfer sheet 13 to change pigmentation ofareas of the indicia-receiving material 10 underlying areas of thetransfer sheet 13 receiving focused waves from the transmitter 370.

The scanner 330 of the mobile printer 300 may include a camera locatedoutside the housing inner area, and multiple cameras or other scanners330 may be utilized (including some inside the housing inner area).

Use of the mobile printer 300 is substantially similar to use of themobile printer 100, except that the transfer sheet 13 is paced over theindicia-receiving material 10 and the transmitter 370 transmits focusedwaves to the transfer sheet 13, which in turn alters the pigmentation ofthe indicia-receiving material 10 as desired (instead of emitting inkfrom the printing unit 170).

FIG. 13 illustrates (in use with stationary indicia-receiving material10 and a transfer sheet 13) another mobile printer 400 that issubstantially similar to the embodiment 300, except as specificallynoted and/or shown, or as would be inherent. Further, those skilled inthe art will appreciate that the embodiment 300 (and thus the embodiment400) may be modified in various ways, such as through incorporating allor part of any of the various described embodiments, for example. Foruniformity and brevity, reference numbers from 400 to 499 may be used toindicate elements corresponding to those discussed above numbered from300 to 399 (e.g., computer memory 410 corresponds generally to thecomputer memory 310, processor 420 corresponds generally to theprocessor 320, scanner 430 corresponds generally to the scanner 330,input 440 corresponds generally to the input 340, output 445 correspondsgenerally to the output 345, et cetera), though with any noted, shown,or inherent deviations. And reference numbers 4000 to 4999 may be usedto indicate elements corresponding to those discussed above numberedfrom 3000 to 3999 (e.g., user input file 4000 corresponds generally tothe user input file 3000, existing-indicia information 4010 correspondsgenerally to the existing-indicia information 3010, user input data 4030corresponds generally to the user input data 3030, scanner software file4100 corresponds generally to the scanner software file 3100, theindicia database 4200 corresponds generally to the indicia database3200, font information 4210 corresponds generally to the fontinformation 3210, contour information 4220 corresponds generally to thecontour information 3220, and print file 4300 corresponds generally tothe print file 3300), though with any noted, shown, or inherentdeviations.

In embodiment 400, the transmitter 470 includes a stationary array oftransmitters in the housing inner area, and does not include a carriageor carriage actuators corresponding to the carriage and the carriageactuators 360. In use, the processor 420 activates (either in series orparallel) the desired transmitters 470 in the stationary array inaccordance with the print file 4300 to transmit focused waves to thetransfer sheet 13, which in turn alters the pigmentation of theindicia-receiving material 10 as desired.

FIG. 14 illustrates another mobile printer 500 which is substantiallysimilar to the embodiment 100, except as specifically noted and/orshown, or as would be inherent. Further, those skilled in the art willappreciate that the embodiment 100 (and thus the embodiment 500) may bemodified in various ways, such as through incorporating all or part ofany of the various described embodiments, for example. For uniformityand brevity, reference numbers from 500 to 599 may be used to indicateelements corresponding to those discussed above numbered from 100 to 199(e.g., computer memory 510 corresponds generally to the computer memory110, processor 520 corresponds generally to the processor 120, scanner530 corresponds generally to the scanner 130, input 540 correspondsgenerally to the input 140, output 545 corresponds generally to theoutput 145, et cetera), though with any noted, shown, or inherentdeviations. And reference numbers 5000 to 5999 may be used to indicateelements corresponding to those discussed above numbered from 1000 to1999 (e.g., user input file 5000 corresponds generally to the user inputfile 1000; existing-shape information 5010 corresponds generally to theexisting-indicia information 1010; user input data 5030 correspondsgenerally to the user input data 1030; scanner software file 5100corresponds generally to the scanner software file 1100; the contourdatabase 5200 corresponds generally to the indicia database 1200, thoughhere, the contour database 5200 includes, for example, informationallowing specific contours of a component piece to be recognized;contour information 5220 corresponds generally to the contourinformation 1220, although here, the contour information includes, forexample, geometric routines for matching/filling lines in the existingcontour of the component piece, and for creating other lines/shapes onthe component; and print file 5300 corresponds generally to the printfile 1300), though with any noted, shown, or inherent deviations.

In embodiment 500, the printer is configured to behave as athree-dimensional (3D) printer with the ability to add material to anexisting component piece based on the component's then-existing shape ascompared to a desired shape or a shape of the component piece prior todamage occurring to the component piece. Accordingly, in embodiment 500,the existing-indicia information 1010 is replaced with existing-shapeinformation 5010. The existing-shape information may include, forexample, the general shape of a product or component piece that requiresadditive material to either supplement the component, or to fix acomponent that may be broken. Font information 1210 is not required inembodiment 500, as it may be unnecessary. The print file 5300 is similarto print file 1300, although here, the print file 5300 is configured forthree-dimensional printing on the component piece.

Because the printer 500 is configured for additive printing, thecarriage 550 may be equipped with extendable legs, or may be providedwithin a frame. The printing unit 570 is coupled to and movable with thecarriage 550, as described above.

The printing unit 570 may include an output nozzle 572, a supply passage574 for supplying material from a reservoir 580 to the output nozzle572, and a nozzle actuator 575 in communication with the processor 520for causing the material to pass from the output nozzle 572.

Programming, for example in the scanner software file 5100, causes thescanning device 530 to obtain (in some embodiments, repeatedly obtain)the existing-contour information 5010 for the component piece, andcauses the obtained information 5010 to be stored. Other programming(e.g., in the user input file 5000) allows input data 5030 to beobtained through the input 540 and stored, if desired. The input data5030 may include, for example, desired textual and non-textual indiciato be printed on the component piece in addition to the additivematerial being added thereto. And still other programming causes theprocessor 520 to create the print file 5300 based on data from theexisting-indicia information 5010, the user input data 5030, and theindicia database 5200. And using the print file 5300, the processor 520causes the carriage actuators 560 to selectively move the carriage in adefined manner and causes the nozzle actuator 575 to expel the materialfrom the output nozzle 572 to apply the material to the component piece.If the existing-contour information 5010 is repeatedly obtained,programming may compare the obtained existing-indicia information 5010to identify movement of the housing 501 relative to the componentpiece—allowing adjustments to be made in the 3D printing process.

The mobile printer 500 may be used to provide additive material to anythree-dimensional object in need thereof. In one embodiment, thethree-dimensional object is an object that can be moved by a person(e.g., a toy, a miniature replica, a component part for a machine). Inother embodiments, the three-dimensional object may be stationary (e.g.,an area of roadway having a pothole defined therein, or a chippedtooth). In any event, the mobile printer 500 may be used to determine anarea of the three-dimensional object that is missing an area ofmaterial, and to add material to the object to restore the object to itsoriginal, or near original, state. Those of skill in the art willunderstand that the additive material may be any material that can passfrom the printer 500 to the three-dimensional object, including but notlimited to plastic, ceramic-forming materials (e.g., processed clays orother natural or synthetic ceramic-forming materials), asphalt, paint(ink), light cure composite resin (such as that used for dentalequipment) or any other material.

According to embodiments, the material may need to be leveled orsmoothed to the surface of the three-dimensional object (e.g., asphaltapplied to an area of a pothole). The screed 595 may be lowered suchthat it contacts the three-dimensional object after application of thematerial, and levels the material by moving across the surface. Whennecessary, additional material may be required, and the process mayrepeat to ensure that sufficient material is added to thethree-dimensional object. The screed 595 may be stored when not in useso as not to interfere with the application of the material to thethree-dimensional object.

In some embodiments, the application of certain materials may require acuring process. For example, ceramic objects are typically formed uponthe application of heat to the ceramic-forming materials. In suchinstances, the mobile printer 500 may further include means for curingthe material 590 after it is applied to the three-dimensional object.This may include a heater, a UV light, a tungsten halogen light, a LEDlight, a plasma arc curing light, a laser, or any other device needed tocure the specific material used with the printer 500.

The following description is an example of the mobile printer 500 in usewith a component piece according to an embodiment. At step S500 ofmethod S50, the processor 520 obtains user input data 5030 via the input540 and stores the user input data 5030 in the computer memory 510. Andat step S510, the processor 520 obtains existing-contour information5010 via the scanner 530 and stores the existing-indicia information5010 in the memory 510. At step S520, the processor 520 creates printfile 5300 based on data from the existing-contour information 5010, theuser input data 5030, and the indicia database 5200.

After step S520, the process S50 proceeds to steps S530 and S540. There,the processor 520 causes the carriage actuators 560 to move the carriage550 in accordance with the print file 5300, and causes the nozzleactuator 575 to selectively allow the material to flow through thesupply passage 574 and the output nozzle 572 to apply the material tothe component piece. After steps S530 and S540, the processor 520determines at 5550 if the print file 5300 has been fully executed forthe material. If not, the process S50 returns to steps S530 and S540. Inembodiments, the screed 595 may be utilized to smooth and/or level thematerial and complete the executed of the print file 5300. Wherenecessary, once the print file 5300 is fully executed, the curingprocess may be started by activating the curing device 590. The processS50 ends at step S560.

Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as wellas components not shown, are possible without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention. Embodiments of the present inventionhave been described with the intent to be illustrative rather thanrestrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisanmay develop alternative means of implementing the aforementionedimprovements without departing from the scope of the present invention.It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are ofutility and may be employed without reference to other features andsubcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Thespecific configurations and contours set forth in the accompanyingdrawings are illustrative and not limiting. Some steps may be performedin different orders than described herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile printer for repairing roadway,comprising: a non-transitory computer memory; a processor in datacommunication with the computer memory and an input device; a scanningdevice positioned to obtain information, the scanning device being incommunication with the processor; a reservoir of material; an applicatorin communication with the reservoir; a database accessible by theprocessor, the database having application information; programmingcausing the scanning device to obtain contour information about an areaof the roadway; programming causing the computer memory to store theobtained roadway contour information; programming causing the processorto create an application file based on each of: (A) the obtained roadwayinformation; (B) the output from the input device; and (C) the database;and programming using the application file to selectively cause theapplicator to apply the material to the area of the roadway if thecontour information suggests a void in the roadway.
 2. The mobileprinter of claim 1, wherein the scanning device comprises a camera. 3.The mobile printer of claim 1, further comprising: programming causingthe scanning device to repeatedly obtain updated roadway contourinformation; programming causing the computer memory to store theupdated roadway contour information; programming comparing the storedupdated roadway contour information to identify movement of theapplicator relative to the roadway.
 4. The mobile printer of claim 1,further comprising: a screed; and programming causing the screed to moveacross the roadway after the material is applied to the roadway tosmooth and level the material relative to the roadway.
 5. The mobileprinter of claim 4, further comprising: programming causing the scanningdevice to obtain updated roadway contour information after movement ofthe screed across the roadway; programming causing the computer memoryto store the updated roadway contour information; and programmingcomparing the updated contour information to the updated roadway contourinformation to identify further movement of the applicator relative tothe roadway.
 6. The mobile printer of claim 1, further comprising: asecond material reservoir holding a second material; a second applicatorin communication with the second material reservoir; programming causingthe processor to create a second application file based on data from thescanning device; programing using the second application file toselectively cause the second applicator to apply the second material. 7.The mobile printer of claim 6, wherein the void is a pothole.
 8. Themobile printer of claim 7, wherein the second application file comprisesinformation relating to a location in need of the second material. 9.The mobile printer of claim 8, wherein the second material is roadwaypaint.
 10. The mobile printer of claim 6, wherein the first and secondmaterials are not the same.
 11. The mobile printer of claim 1, whereinthe material is asphalt.
 12. The mobile printer of claim 1, wherein theapplicator comprises at least one output nozzle.
 13. A method ofrepairing a roadway, comprising: providing a mobile printer, comprising:a non-transitory computer memory; a processor in data communication withthe computer memory and an input device; a scanning device positioned toobtain information, the scanning device being in communication with theprocessor; a reservoir of material; an applicator in communication witha reservoir; and programming for operating the mobile printer to repairan area of the roadway; placing the mobile printer on the roadwaygenerally in the area of the roadway; activating the mobile printer,wherein, upon activation of the mobile printer, the programming: causesthe scanning device to obtain existing contour information about thearea of the roadway; causes the computer memory to store the obtainedexisting contour information; causes the processor to create anapplication file based on each of: (A) the obtained existing contourinformation; and (B) output from the input device; and uses theapplication file to selectively cause the applicator to apply thematerial to the area of the roadway if the contour information suggestsa void in the area of the roadway.
 14. The method of claim 13, furthercomprising a curing device, wherein, upon activation of the mobileprinter, the programming further causes the curing device to cure thematerial after the material is applied to the roadway.
 15. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the material is asphalt.
 16. The method of claim 13,further comprising means for leveling or smoothing the material, whereinthe programming further causes the leveling means to level the materialon the roadway after the material is applied to the roadway.
 17. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the scanning device comprises a camera. 18.The method of claim 13, wherein the programming further: causes thescanning device to repeatedly obtain existing contour information;causes the computer memory to store the updated existing contourinformation; and compares the stored existing contour information toidentify movement of the applicator relative to the roadway.
 19. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the mobile printer further comprises ascreed; and wherein the programming further causes the screen to moveacross the roadway after the material is applied to the roadway tosmooth and level the material relative to the roadway.
 20. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the programming further: causes the scanning device toobtain updated roadway contour information after movement of the screedacross the roadway; causes the computer memory to store the updatedroadway contour information; and compares the updated contourinformation to the updated roadway contour information to identifyfurther movement of the applicator relative to the roadway.